Sourcing Governance

APMG International’s “Sourcing Governance Foundation” qualification aims to provide individuals with knowledge of the key concepts of Outsourcing and Sourcing Governance, and how they can be applied. Undertaking the course and successfully passing the examination qualifies an individual for COS-FP (Certified Outsourcing Specialist™ - Foundation Principles) recognition from the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®).

Training for Sourcing Governance Foundation is available from the network of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) who are assessed and certified by APMG International. To find a training course please choose a Sourcing Governance certification level to see the available ATOs. The full list of Sourcing Governance Foundation ATOs can be found here.

Yes. In order to sit the examination, candidates must first attend an accredited course with a Sourcing Governance Foundation ATO.

Sourcing Governance Foundation ATOs include the examination as part of the associated training course.

The cost of the exam is generally included in the associated training course fee.

Other than attendance on an accredited course, there are no pre-requisites for the examination, however some experience working in an IT organization is recommended.

Sourcing Governance Foundation has one main supporting publication, published by Van Haren Publishing, entitled IT Outsourcing - An Introduction. This can be purchased from APMG Business Books.

The exam is currently only available in English and Japanese. Further translations may follow subject to market and regional demand.

The IT Outsourcing - An Introduction publication is currently available in English and Japanese. Further translations may follow subject to market and regional demand.

Supporting accredited training courses are generally delivered over 2 days, however it is well worth investigating with individual providers, as many will offer tailored and blended learning solutions. Courses are likely to involve a degree of pre-course work and homework during the course.

Candidates must achieve a score of 28/40 (70%) to pass the examination.

Certification is valid for a period of two years. After this point, candidates must take (and pass) the exam again to remain certified.

Sourcing Governance Foundation examinations can be marked on location after the exam, but this is down to the discretion of the invigilator at the time. Confirmation of the provisional result is sent to the relevant accredited training organization within 7-10 days of the examination.

Candidates will be able to claim their digital badge and electronic certificate from their APMG Candidate Portal within two business days of their exam result being issued.

To be eligible to apply to become a Sourcing Governance Foundation trainer, individuals must achieve a score of 70% (28/40) in the examination.

To find out if you scored enough to be eligible as a trainer, please email servicedesk@apmg-international.com noting your interest. A representative of the Service Desk will be able to advise.

Only organizations licensed to do so are allowed to use the APMG International Sourcing logo. Such organizations include Sourcing Governance Foundation ATOs (Accredited Training Organizations). Should you have a requirement to use the logo, please contact us on +44 (0)1494 452450, or at servicedesk@apmg-international.com, and we will be able to advise.

Trainers wishing to become a Sourcing Governance approved trainer should contact an Sourcing Governance Accredited Training Organization (ATO) - or contact their local APMG International office.

Where appropriate, an invoice will be raised and the organization will then be subject to APMG International's ATO assessment process.

A trainer application must be submitted by the sponsoring ATO to their relevant APMG International office.

Organizations wishing to become a Sourcing Governance ATO should make an Accreditation Query or contact their local APMG International office. Where appropriate, an invoice will be raised and the organization will then be subject to APMG International's ATO assessment process. The organization will then be subject to APMG International's ATO assessment process.

You can always access all your electronic certificates and badges via the APMG Candidate Portal. Once you have logged on to the Candidate Portal, click on the ‘Badges and Certificates’ option from the menu bar at the top of screen. From here you should click on the ‘Create Badge/Certificate’ button. This will take you to the Credly platform to create and account and download your badge and certificate.

Step-by-step guidance is available to download from the ‘Badges and Certificates’ area in your Candidate Portal.

Electronic certificates are environmentally friendly, but you can print the certificate yourself at home or work, if required.

If you have any problems with accessing your digital certificate, please contact our Customer Interaction Team - servicedesk@apmg-international.com